Sherman Frederick
Novato Advance
The Novato City Council selected Mark Milberg to fill the vacancy on the City Council caused when Amy Peele resigned, citing mental and physical problems stemming from the stress of the job.
Four persons put their names forth for consideration: Milberg, Gary Butler, Kristen Friend and Josh Smith. Friend withdrew from consideration before the meeting started.
The discussion quickly centered on a selection between Milberg and Butler. Councilmember Denise Athas set the tone when she declared that Milberg had the edge in her mind because of his work on the volunteer finance committee for the city.
Mark already has his “boots on the ground” and is poised to “help us navigate the next year.”
The other council members echoed that sentiment. The vote was 4-0.
Milberg will serve beginning Oct. 27 through the next election, which is November, 2022.
All members of the council heaped praise on those who put their names forward to fill Peele’s position on the Council.
In his application, Milberg said “I am interested in serving because I truly love this city, and especially Hamilton and the other beautiful parts of Southern Novato. I bought a home in the Bayside neighborhood of Hamilton four years ago and enjoy taking daily walks on the Bay Trail and seeing my neighbors enjoying all that life has to offer here. I appreciate all the history, vibrant landscape and wildlife, and strong sense of community that is here. I lived in Novato previously from 1988-1998, in the Western Oaks townhomes, and have enjoyed seeing the growth and business development of our town since that time. I am truly Novato Proud.”
Milberg is the senior director for clinical outsourcing for Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical.
The summary on his resume says: “Accomplished senior management professional with 30 years of experience in the pharma/biotech, medical device and healthcare industries. Extensive experience in outsourcing, contract negotiation and vendor management with a renowned reputation of collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to create trust and long-term value. Business acumen in all areas of financial management, including hospital and physician arena. Passion for community service and non-profit board participation.”
In his application, he wrote: “If appointed, I would want to partner with the City Council on the homelessness issue in our community, as well as working on affordable housing. I would also want to work on wildfire preparedness, the water shortage crisis, climate change, and improving our quality of life here in Novato. In addition, I would like to continue working on fiscal sustainability.
There is so much to accomplish together. I am confident that I will be a respectful, engaged, and informed Councilmember.”
(You can reach the writer via email at shermfrederick@gmail.com.)
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